Here’s one of the bedrooms at the Lodge. Please don’t be disturbed by the crooked blankets.

Or the pillows that aren’t placed just right.

On another note, before the first guests arrive last week, I’d had the darnedest time finding bedside tables for the Lodge. I could have ordered tables that matched these beds…but for some reason they were really, really short.

Plus, the matchy-matchy thing gets to me after awhile.

So, as luck would have it, I found a furniture store that had several of these in stock. When I first saw them, I pretty much just walked by. I didn’t think the style was right, and besides that, they weren’t bedside tables. They were side tables for the living room. Desperation eventually took over, though, and I wound up getting these for three of the bedrooms. And I LOVE them! They’re black, but the finish is rubbed and worn. And as it turns out, the exposed wood color on the rubbed areas looks great with the rustic beds.

Cheap and available—that’s pretty much all I look for in furniture anymore.

Don’t get too attached to this armoire because…it’s gone! I loved it from the get-go, but there was just something about it that didn’t work in the spot it was in. I’ll show you what’s there now in tomorrow’s post.

Fortunately, we’ve been getting all these things at a furniture store that doesn’t mind swapping things out here and there. This is a good thing. I have problems with commitment.

This white dish/deer/oven corner has also turned into Coffee Central. Which means it’s my favorite place in the whole house.

And here’s my newest notion: If I need to inject a little color, I can just throw different colored scarves around the deers’ necks!

Ornaments on their antlers?

Mardi Gras beads?

Bueller? Bueller?

There’s the entry.

My mother-in-law suggested I move all the dinner plates from the white dish/deer/oven corner to the shelf directly under the island cooktop. It’s already made cooking—and serving—so much easier.

Translation: I don’t have to walk anywhere. Yippee!

And finally, my friends, I would like to share with you what I’ve decided is the worst thing about living in the country:

If you’re in the middle of baking something and you find you’ve run out of eggs…

A deer head can never be too rich, too thin or have too much ornamentation. (I’m pretty sure Diana Vreeland said that.) My own beautiful deer head, Bucky, who gazes down on our Kozmic Rancho from the dining room wall, sports Mardi Gras beads, floaty white magnolia-blossom fairy lights and a long long string of sleighbells around his lovely neck — and a jewelled gold crown perched jauntily on his handsome antlers. He’s fit for into any occasion from camp-casual to formal to pagan-dance-party-in-the-woods. Frankly, Ree, your deer look like naked street waifs in comparison! Love, R xxx

Did you have the Southern Living crew stay at the Lodge? I think you don’t keep eggs because you’ve never (to my knowledge-a limited database I agree) mentioned chickens in your blogging. Chickens are way cool and would give you some incredible photo ops – a stop action photo of an egg being discharged – woo hoo now that is art!.

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martha On Monday, February 23 at 4:42 pm

I’m thinking you need something green and growing in those places you think look too matchymatchy or lacking in color.

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Nicole On Monday, February 23 at 4:44 pm

Looking at Coffee Central, is there enough room there for a number of coffee-deprived-just-woke-up-and-snarling people to get their coffee? It looks like there’s only room for one person to get in that corner and get their fix.

306

Terri On Monday, February 23 at 4:57 pm

Eggs!! Thank you for reminding me before I go home to the middle of nowhere!

307

Sue Ellen On Monday, February 23 at 5:13 pm

Hi Ree–the lodge looking great as usual!!
I too think that you and your children might like raising poultry for fresh eggs. A young girl I know in Ireland is so fond of her poultry, she raised them from chicks, they all have names, and they were quite tame when I saw them. They have a problem with foxes and (EEEKS!!! ) rats on the farm, so you do have to be sure to have a VERY secure henhouse, not too close to your house/lodge . But you could research the pros and cons of raising laying hens and decide from there. Not that I really believe you often,(if ever?), run out of eggs :-).
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, you are a lot of fun and make me smile every time I read you blog!
Oh, and I LOVE coffee too, I’ll think of you when I have mine tomorrow morning!
SES

Sara Miller On Monday, February 23 at 5:46 pm

I LOVE the idea of mardi gras beads and different colored scarves for the deer heads!

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Kay On Monday, February 23 at 5:56 pm

My husband loves to hang the heads of dead animals on the walls of his “man cave.” At Christmas, I put red ornaments on the antlers and hung garland around one of the necks and put a Santa hat on the other one’s head…. If you think about it, there’s always some holiday you can decorate them for!!!! Hey, I have to have some fun, too!!!

311

Miss Lola On Monday, February 23 at 6:02 pm

Pdub, love the bedside tables, not a fan of things matching myself. Your kitchen looks wonderfu tool!! Really like the Le Crueset Pots at the end shelves. Well done.

About the egg thing…Murphy’s Law don’tcha know? You will run out of eggs just when you need them most! Love my neighbors to pieces, but no one is around here during the day, we all work! At night though, it is share as needed! Best neighbors ever, although I covet more space!

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Jeanmarie On Monday, February 23 at 6:02 pm

A site for neutral decorating. Your doing a great job – love the black tables and that you listen to your mother-in-law. She sounds a perfect gem.
This site tells you all you ever wanted to know about the love of neutral. It fits right into your photography passion.http://www.dreamhomedecorating.com/neutral-color-scheme.html

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emma in Ft. Worth On Monday, February 23 at 6:04 pm

Deer hunting caps for the deer – and red noses during the Christmas holidays. If you let me move in as your hired help – I will just make a quick trip to town in your dirty suburban for eggs whenever you need them!
Lodge is looking wonderful. Keep your MIL.
:)

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Theresa in Alberta On Monday, February 23 at 6:05 pm

Lemme tell ya Ree, I would much rather have your view and NO neighbours!!!
Do you want tassles on those scarf’s for the wooden deer or just a plain edge, I will start knitting right away

315

Puddintane On Monday, February 23 at 6:15 pm

I like the crooked blankets. It adds dimension.
You need some chickens. Then you would never run out of eggs. Or entertainment for you kidsl

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Dawna On Monday, February 23 at 6:26 pm

Is it just the picture or are the deer heads really the same color as the wall paint?? They just aren’t noticable at all–don’t stand out–look very blah (sorry! I like them alot…just maybe darker??)

While I realize we are strangers, and I’ve come to terms with not being on the list of “first guests” I am still not ashamed of asking, when can I come stay? It’s just so pretty, I lose all pride.

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livinonthecrowrock On Monday, February 23 at 6:36 pm

P Diddy Dub- You didn’t ask, but you seem amenable to suggestions, so I will suggest that you throw the throws. They look a little contrived on the beds all splayed like that. The pillows are free and random- let the throws be random! Or fold them at the foot of the beds (not my fave, but better than a neatly strewn throw- that’s an oxymoron, BTW), semi, but randomly, neatly. Otherwise, you are doing a great job- and I love the idea of scarves on the deer! You know? Like the outfits on the geese statues? Scarves in the winter, Mardi Gras beads NOW, and so on. It was a great idea you had going and didn’t pick up on it!

So are there going to be ‘spend a week on the ranch with PW’ contests soon!?? ‘Cuz the Lodge looks pretty darn inviting!

321

vicki On Monday, February 23 at 6:47 pm

get some chickens!!

322

judi On Monday, February 23 at 7:09 pm

Don’t you folks got no chickens!?

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Karen On Monday, February 23 at 7:23 pm

Put some color in Coffee Central with some Fiesta Ware. It comes in every color you can imagine and would look great there! The Lodge looks fantastic, Ree. You’re doing a great job, and you’re so lucky to have your wonderful mother-in-law and Missy to help. The black side tables are awesome.

324

lynne On Monday, February 23 at 7:23 pm

I too live in the middle of nowhere and chickens are the answer!!!! I am even going to get dairy goats next. it is a long drive into town!!!!

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Emily in IL On Monday, February 23 at 7:24 pm

After a while during my decorating sprees — my mind is so boggled by the time I’ve almost finished… when it comes down to the nitty gritty of the details, I’m done! I have no more energy and as a result — I listen to my DH–who has great taste–but sometimes not exactly the same as mine, and later I’m disappointed!
Congrats on the beautiful job and your enduring committment to seeing things through to the very last detail!

327

Pamela On Monday, February 23 at 8:01 pm

Having no neighbors does suck sometimes, but having no neighbors is mostly wonderful. Check the supplies before wrapping your head around something you want to make.
Oh, the place is shaping up rather nice. But…ahem, I still see those darn orange zebra/tiger chairs.

Uummm, maybe your kids could go into the egg business? Get them some wee cute little chicks for Easter, then do from there. OR better yet – get some fertilized eggs & an incubater – your very own miracle of life thing happening in your home just for your kids. Now THAT’s HomeSchooling! *G*

330

anita On Monday, February 23 at 8:20 pm

When can I come for a visit? This looks so homey. This would be the perfect place to spend a few days.

I thought the Le Creuset collection might have been just for the Southern Living shoot, but guess not. I’m jealous! (and not in a small way because of the gorgeous colors)

333

Rachel (the Okie in the country) On Monday, February 23 at 8:53 pm

Okay, I’ll echo the 6 trillion folks who said “just get some chickens, silly!”. I’ve got 25 layers and a rooster (we may let the girls set on some this spring once things warm up). We get around 20/day from the chickens. SOOO good!!! They free range near the house, and aren’t bothered by the critters…they get locked up into the coop (the Palais du Poulet, as I call it!) at night.

Also, where did you get the table? I’m in the same state. I want that table. I need more for my family room (and bedroom and hallway and and and…).

Now, as per what you should do in the coffee corner. Copper pots. Or, as my grandmother calls them “Cooking vessels”. LOL. Bright, shiny (good polishing duty for naughty punks!), a bit of reflection, and not far off from the neutral theme. Warm, too. And useful.

334

Wendy On Monday, February 23 at 9:22 pm

I think the deer should definitely be decorated! I’d vote for Mardi Gras beads and a mask now, a green hat or bobbly antennas for St. Patrick’s day, some patriotic streamers for 4th of July and maybe bibs or bandanas to support their favorite football teams in the fall. If they are every feeling too plain but it isn’t holiday time you could always just glue some fake eyelashes on for some subtlety:)

I’m going to venture a guess that the reason you don’t have chickens on the ranch after all of these years of running out of eggs whilst baking is because you don’t want chickens. My suggestion: buy more eggs.

I lust after your lodge kitchen.

336

dama On Monday, February 23 at 9:23 pm

Hey! Lil’ City Gal, you live in the country, why do you not have chickens? Baby chicks make great photog subjects. How could you be depriving your kids of the experience of gathering eggs? Whenever Kim gets a new batch of chicks, she puts a worm in and we all watch the most amazing game of football. They all try to steal it from the other and the one that has it is so busy running from the others that he can’t eat it. Not only are homegrown eggs so very fresh, they are the very most nutritious if your hens are grass fed. And chickens keep the bugs down to a minimum.

337

julia On Monday, February 23 at 9:37 pm

Ok i know that this sounds weird but i have a buffalo skull at the top of my stairs when you come to the landing at the top you all most come face to face with him…. I hung know this is weird but my turquoise necklaces on one horn. I had several that were longish that i don’t wear… I hung them on his horn for color…. better than shiny madi gras beads & looks better with chaps… hey how about cow boy ties or ???
How about some Frankoma in the coffee corner? you are in Oklahoma right? Frankoma is a state treasure…. love it.

338

mamajenny On Monday, February 23 at 9:48 pm

I love them. Very nice.

Please show us the Le Cruset pots on the shelves. They look yummy!!!

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cecelia On Monday, February 23 at 9:55 pm

I’m with you – the matchy-matchy thing isn’t very soothing, I would feel as if I were living in the show room, it becomes sort of sterile. Those side tables are just wonderful, they have elements of the table just outside the hallway. I bet flowers and natural stuff will be nice color in the Lodge. BIG sunflowers in the summer

I love the colored dishes at the end of your island (I think that’s what it is). I noticed in the post where Southern Living was there, too. It looks like a bunch of Le Creuset cookware. Very pretty, though. Everything is.

342

spuddawg On Monday, February 23 at 10:04 pm

I always wondered if you had any chickens. You would totally enjoy having some of these ladies around. They are so funny at times ! Would keep a lot of bugs and stuff down too. Besides having eggs around most anytime you need them.You also kno where they come from,guaranteed FRESH !

You really need to get over your fear of chickens, they are so great to have around and you’ll never run out of eggs! Plus, when you get tired of taking pictures of horses, cattle and dogs, you’ll have a whole new species to photograph (says the frequent photographer of her own chickens) :o)

344

Elaine L. On Monday, February 23 at 10:21 pm

I really love the side tables in the bedroom. I’m with you on not liking the matchy matchy look. When things are different they’re more interesting and it looks like you’ve collected things over time.

I like all your neutral color schemes. it’s very restful. For some whimsy, you could always put some bandanas around the necks of the deer.

I didn’t have time today to really look at your photos…. *heavy sigh* you put the cow skull back on the vent= UGh!

Next where all the white china & deer heads are on the wall, isn’t that your baking area? I would suggest finding away to implement old & new baking products on the shelves rather than the china.

Oh and for the deer heads maybe doughnuts could adorn the horns. (I jest)

And I still covet this kitchen! Darn you!

346

Aretha On Monday, February 23 at 10:36 pm

I am sooooo loving your Le Crueset collection at the end of your Island. Sigh! The place looks fantastic!

347

Anonymous On Monday, February 23 at 10:39 pm

Recession? What recession? Concealed mini fridges (to keep butter handy!), gigantic showers, Herend china, a guest house nicer than most primary homes…I’m glad someone is enjoying their wealth!
Why not tone your conspicuous consumption down a bit? We know you have tons of family money, unaffected by the economy, but most of us, your readers, are making do in our simple homes, avoiding retail temptations, forgoing much-needed home renovations, losing jobs & retirement savings. And raising families regardless. Perhaps WE are the true “pioneers.”

Nan On Monday, February 23 at 11:54 pm

this is like, my total dream house – it keeps getting more and more beautiful!
Youre gonna have to open it up one weekend for fellow bloggers
Then youre gonna have to invite me as one of those fellow bloggers
Then Im gonna have to jump up and down and learn how to break frozen lakes with an axe and pluck chickens for cookin’
Do you guys have chickens?

354

Heather R. On Tuesday, February 24 at 2:04 am

The lodge looks great ree. About the coffee area, I would go get some of your beautiful green plates, bowls, ect. Then if you have any other color I would add some too, just so you have a mix in with the white.

Then just store the other white plates, ect. somewhere easy for use when you want them!

jackie On Tuesday, February 24 at 6:29 am

Years ago I ran into the same problem, out of eggs while baking.My trip to the store was only 7 miles, but with baking in half mixed state, 3 kiddos under 3, it was no small undertaking and I decided never to do it again. I froze a dozen eggs to have on hand for emergencies, broke each one into a ice tray, froze the cubes, then put the cubes into a freezer bag. To defrost it is fast, each cube is one egg so put what you need in a ziplock back sealed tight and drop the bag into a big bowl of cold to cool water. Won’t take long , and it certainly is a shorter time than driving into town.I think the county agent at the time told me not to freeze them for more than 2 months. Not hard, and if have some left at the end of the time and you aren’t baking, make scrambled eggs, or custard, or quiche, or ….

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karen On Tuesday, February 24 at 6:53 am

#346. Why would you type something like this in an open forum? Ree has contact information on the site. I find you rude and bitter. Your momma would be embarrassed! Most readers enjoy living vicariously through this website. I will never have a lovely ranch like this…but it’s fun to dream!

358

Amy in West Texas On Tuesday, February 24 at 7:17 am

For a pop of color on the white dish wall, you could add in a vintage Fiesta tall Coffee Pot, they come in many bright colors. There are all sorts of accessory pieces in Fiesta, There are disk shaped water pitchers, short round tea pots. If you space a few of those in there in the vintage colors, that would give you just a little pop of color – and it wouldn’t be hard to move them around or change them out.

359

Caroline in Tennessee On Tuesday, February 24 at 7:19 am

I love the black tables..I don’t like the matchy, matchy thing either. I never use actual nightstands, I like small chests, end tables, and other more interesting pieces that don’t “match” the beds. Oh, and to #346..Don’t like what is said on this site? Go elsewhere. There are probably other blogs that would be more appealing to you. However, what I love about this site, and the reason I keep coming back is because there is no negativity. Everyone gets along. Different strokes for different folks. If I felt different, I just wouldn’t come back.

360

camille On Tuesday, February 24 at 7:31 am

It all looks fantastic!!! When can I move in?

361

Tonya On Tuesday, February 24 at 8:09 am

you really need thatbarnyard you’ve been wanting then you wouldn’t run out of milk or eggs that should be your next project. Can you handle another large project so soon lol.

362

Shelley On Tuesday, February 24 at 8:23 am

Its looking great. I love all your earth tones with the subtle splash of color.

@ 346: Envy much? I’m sure the employees and owners of the furniture stores are pleased that people who can spend money are still making purchases, and that’s great. If everyone quit spending, then things would get a lot worse than they are. If someone doesn’t like what they perceive as “conspicous consumption”, then they shouldn’t go where they will be bothered by it.

martina On Tuesday, February 24 at 9:40 am

I’d lessen the amount of white items on the shelves so it looks more open and the deer are more of a focus. MIL idea about the plates is excellent. Love the nightstands!Are you going to use the Lodge as a B&B any time?

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joyce On Tuesday, February 24 at 10:13 am

Chickens attract SNAKES in the country, especially where copperheads are common.

Susan O. On Tuesday, February 24 at 11:25 am

At Christmas, little red balls on the deer noses will be VERY cheerful.

373

karen On Tuesday, February 24 at 11:52 am

why have you no chickens?

374

CDS On Tuesday, February 24 at 12:00 pm

How do you keep your steer hide clean? I have one, but hate putting it on the floor because I have to take it outside and beat it to get the dirt off. I’d love it if you have a better idea. Thanks!

375

Nancy On Tuesday, February 24 at 12:18 pm

Wow… SO much looks SO good.

I have to agree with some of the previously stated comments:
1 – the throws/afghans look kind of silly like that. Fold them at the foot of the bed or, even better, just toss them casually.
2 – the “coffee corner” has great potential but something does need work. I think some is the arrangement of what’s already there – it’s not quite working. Color is needed, too. The deer heads really blend in with the walls – either they need darker stain or the wall needs to be painted a bright color. Fiestaware mixed with the white stuff could be the thing, too.
3 – now that we can see the entryway from a different angle, the straight chair SO needs to be moved over by the door. Or you need a hat rack there. That corner looks lonely.

I know this is going to sound silly but if i had a niche like that and lived on a ranch, I will fill a HUGE beautiful glass vase of some sort 3/4 full of old rusty horseshoes.

It might sound strange but it would be neat to highlight something simple and overlooked like that. I once brought in a huge tumbleweed and used it as a stark table display. Very modern but rustic all at the same time, lol.

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LanaSmile On Tuesday, February 24 at 12:38 pm

I was just remembering in the early 90′s when I did a “wreath” out of rusty barbed wire..and had a lil fake steer skull attache to it..with some plastic turquoise beads on leather laces hanging around it’s neck. My sons will never forgive me in decorating their room in “southwest”..,,LOL

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Kara On Tuesday, February 24 at 1:05 pm

Haha I LOVE the “color splash” idea!!!

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Jen On Tuesday, February 24 at 1:28 pm

Can I move in? I will make sure you always have eggs.

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bevin On Tuesday, February 24 at 1:31 pm

Yup, chook, chook, chooks are the answer! My faince’s mum has 5 chooks and averages 5 fresh eggs every day. What they don’t use the dogs eat. Me thinks Charles would thank you.
Did I mention there used to be 7 chooks but my puppy killed 2 at Christmas time…..!!!

tina On Tuesday, February 24 at 1:32 pm

I’m not much of a decorator (really, I can’t give you any helpful advice), but I love the simple, comfortable look of the lodge. Very nice. You could open it up as a B&B!

383

Michelle from Ottawa On Tuesday, February 24 at 3:51 pm

Do you have powdered eggs in your storage? I love them – only for baking at this point. I haven’t been desperate enough to actually cook them up for scrambled or anything – and get them at Honeyville Grains. Click here http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/powderedwholeeggscan.aspx
or paste it or whatever, but it’s made the whole running out of eggs thing only a memory…

384

basketlady On Tuesday, February 24 at 5:25 pm

But, look at that view! I would just use a big Tablespoonful of mayo, or yogurt for an egg….well, unless you wanted them scrambled! LOL

I’m a big fan of old canisters and old spice cans. they are great in the kitchen and add beautiful color. Love your decorations thus far. The guess bedrooms are great. warm and inviting. can’t wait to see what the end result will bring. Good old Okie charm.

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DebbLou On Tuesday, February 24 at 6:53 pm

My first thought for the deer heads was a neck tie…. but how about a cowboy hat ??

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missie On Tuesday, February 24 at 6:56 pm

Ha! I just had to borrow oil from a neighbor on Sunday!! If you built me a little something-something next to your lodge, I’d be your neighbor!!

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GiGi On Tuesday, February 24 at 8:37 pm

love the nightstand but that FLOOR LAMP has got to GO. everything is really looking super